PA Historic Places

Exploring the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County

A collage of four photos from the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The top left image shows a historical marker and a white clapboard building with a cupola. The top right image features mannequins dressed in traditional cloister attire in a museum exhibit. The bottom left image displays a large, multi-story wooden building with dormer windows, surrounded by trees and a grassy area. The bottom right image depicts an interior room with a wooden table, bench, and a framed piece of calligraphy on the wall, showcasing the simple living quarters.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, you’re in the right place!

A view of the historic Sisters' House and Meetinghouse at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The buildings feature traditional Germanic architecture with steeply pitched roofs and multiple small windows. The structures are surrounded by lush green lawns and shaded by large trees, with a clear blue sky and white clouds in the background, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

The Ephrata Cloister is a state historic site that was originally home to a distinctive religious community established in 1732 by German immigrant and spiritual mystic Johann Conrad Beissel.

An exhibit at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, detailing the history of Conrad Beissel, the founder of the Ephrata Cloister. The exhibit includes a narrative about Beissel's early life in Eberbach, Germany, his expulsion due to religious beliefs, and his journey to Pennsylvania. Illustrations depict Beissel's trade as a baker, a historical map of Eberbach, and an image of Beissel himself. The exhibit highlights his role as a religious enthusiast and the development of the Ephrata Cloister around his wilderness retreat.

Visitors today can explore its beautifully preserved buildings and learn about the fascinating blend of faith, art, and self-sufficiency that defined the Ephrata Community.

A view inside a room at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, displaying various tools and equipment used for textile manufacturing. The room features spinning wheels, chairs, and woven baskets, with white fabric draped over some of the items. Natural light filters through the windows, illuminating the wooden floors and walls, creating a rustic and historical atmosphere. In the background, additional rooms with more tools and furnishings are visible, showcasing the working and living spaces of the community's members. The setting provides insight into the daily life and craftsmanship of the Ephrata Cloister.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Ephrata Cloister is located at 632 West Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522.

The Ephrata Cloister is open 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday | 12 pm – 4 pm Sunday | Closed Monday, Tuesday and Major Holidays.

A sign at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, welcoming visitors and providing information about guided tour times. The sign, supported by an orange frame, indicates that tickets are available at the Visitor Center. The hours of operation are listed as 9 AM to 4 PM, and guided tours are offered at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. The sign is placed on a grassy area with greenery in the background, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

Admission fees to the Cloister as of 2024 are: Adults: (ages 12-64) $10.00 | Senior Citizens: (ages 65 and above) $9.00 | Youth: (ages 3-11) $6.00 | Children: under age 3 are free.

An entrance sign for the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, designating it as a National Historic Landmark. The sign, which is managed by the Historical and Museum Commission of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, directs visitors to the entrance. Adjacent to the main sign, a smaller sign welcomes visitors to the museum store. The signs are set against a backdrop of trees and a white historic building, creating a welcoming and informative entrance to the historic site.

All active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families receive free admission.

A scenic view of the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, featuring a historic wooden water pump in the foreground, surrounded by lush green grass and large trees. In the background, several well-preserved, Germanic-style buildings with wooden and stone construction are visible, adding to the tranquil and picturesque atmosphere of the site.

What You’ll See at the Ephrata Cloister

Johann Conrad Beissel founded the Ephrata Cloister with the intention of living as a hermit, following his own religious convictions.

An exhibit at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, showcasing the clothing worn by Cloister members. The display features mannequins dressed in traditional white robes, with one mannequin holding a lantern. The background includes informative panels detailing the history and lifestyle of the Cloister community, along with glass cases displaying various pottery items and artifacts. The exhibit provides a comprehensive view of the daily life, dress, and craftsmanship of the Ephrata Cloister members, highlighting their simplicity and dedication.

His vision was to create a society that prepared for a spiritual union with God, a belief that was central to the community’s practices and way of life.

An interior view of the historic Meetinghouse at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The room features wooden pews arranged along the walls and a central aisle, with a wooden balcony running along the upper level. The space is illuminated by natural light filtering through small, period-appropriate windows, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Historical decorations and framed artwork adorn the walls, enhancing the authenticity and charm of this colonial-era worship space.

Beissel’s personal magnetism, dynamic leadership, and savvy organizational skills helped the Ephrata Cloister thrive, attracting both celibate members and families who were drawn to his spiritual mysticism.

A cluster of restored historic buildings at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The scene features several wooden structures with steep roofs and small windows, set amidst a lush, green landscape with mature trees. A paved walkway leads through the grassy area, providing a serene and picturesque view of the well-preserved colonial-era buildings.

By the early 1750s, the Ephrata Cloister had grown significantly, with nearly 80 celibate Brothers and Sisters (known as “the Solitary”) living in distinctive Germanic buildings.

A historic view of the Sisters' House at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, featuring a large, multi-story wooden building with a steeply pitched roof and numerous small windows. The scene is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and tall trees, with a well-maintained lawn and a clear blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. A smaller historic building is visible in the background, adding to the charm of this peaceful, historical site.

Additionally, about 200 family members, known as Householders, resided in nearby homes and farms.

An exhibit at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, highlighting the role of Householders within the community. The display explains that married Householders enjoyed more worldly comforts but supported the Solitary community through worship and economic means. The exhibit includes historical text, illustrations of family life, and pictures of typical household furnishings. A period rifle is mounted above the display, symbolizing the involvement of Householders in social and political issues of the day, including participation in the Revolutionary War.

The celibate members led a disciplined life, characterized by hard work, private prayer, sparse vegetarian diets, and minimal sleep, all aimed at preparing for their anticipated heavenly existence.

An exhibit at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, detailing the structured daily life of its members. The display includes text explaining their schedule for meditation, worship, and physical work, as well as their adoption of white garments patterned after Roman Catholic monks. The exhibit features a quote from Reverend Israel Acrelius from 1753 about their barefoot practices and includes a historic clock face encased in glass. The exhibit highlights the discipline and simplicity of the Ephrata Cloister community.

Their daily labor included farming, papermaking, carpentry, milling, and textile production, reflecting a self-sufficient and industrious community.

A display at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, featuring mannequins dressed in typical 18th-century attire worn by Householders. The male mannequin wears a straw hat, a vest over a shirt, and breeches, while the female mannequin is dressed in a bonnet, blouse, and a long, checkered skirt, holding a wicker basket. The exhibit showcases the everyday clothing of the time and includes informational text about the Householders' dress and lifestyle. Nearby, a wooden chair and other period artifacts are encased in glass, adding to the historical context of the display.

Ephrata became renowned for several notable contributions to American culture and history.

A historical room at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, showcasing a workspace for Fraktur art creation. The room features a wooden table with benches, a chair, and various writing tools, including a quill and ink. An open book rests on the table, and a woven basket sits on a bench by the window. The walls are adorned with traditional Fraktur calligraphy art, and a wooden cupboard holds additional supplies. The room is illuminated by natural light from the windows, creating a serene and authentic colonial-era atmosphere.

The community produced exquisite examples of German calligraphic art, known as Frakturschriften, which were the first of their kind in America.

An exhibit at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, highlighting the artistic and textile production by the women of the community. The display features framed examples of ornate Fraktur art and detailed embroidery work. The exhibit explains that small groups of women in the Sisters' House produced textiles, baskets, and intricate drawings, sharing a common workroom surrounded by their individual sleeping chambers. The display includes historical information about their work and showcases the craftsmanship and artistic skills of the Ephrata Cloister's female members.

Additionally, the Ephrata Cloister was a center for musical innovation, with over one thousand a cappella compositions created using Beissel’s unique rules for four-part harmony.

A historical marker at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, dedicated to Ephrata's women composers. The sign highlights the contributions of the Solitary Sisters who wrote intricate hymn melodies and texts during the 1740s, intended for worship services. It attributes compositions in the "Ephrata Codex" to Sister Föben, Sister Ketura, and Sister Hanna. The marker is set against a backdrop of lush greenery and trees, with the Ephrata Cloister building visible in the background, creating a serene and informative setting.

The community also operated an ambitious printing establishment, producing works for both the community and neighboring areas.

An interior view of the historic printing press room at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The scene features a wooden printing press in the center, with various tools and materials on nearby shelves and tables. The room has a rustic charm, with wooden beams, period-appropriate decor, and natural light streaming through the windows, illuminating the workspace. Aprons and other garments hang on the wall, adding to the authentic historical atmosphere.

One of their most significant achievements was the translation and publication of the 1500-page Martyrs Mirror for the Mennonites, the largest book printed in colonial America.

An open display of the Martyrs Mirror at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The large, historic book is shown under protective glass, revealing its aged, yellowed pages and intricate German script. The text is a significant religious work printed by the Ephrata Cloister community, exemplifying their dedication to literature and printing during the colonial period. The book's detailed typography and well-preserved condition highlight the craftsmanship and historical importance of this artifact.

During the American Revolution, the Ephrata Cloister served a critical role as a hospital for nearly 260 American soldiers, some of whom are buried in the Mount Zion cemetery overlooking the historic grounds.

A monument honoring the Revolutionary War dead at Mount Zion Cemetery near the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The monument is a tall obelisk with a plaque at its base, surrounded by a well-manicured grassy area. An American flag waves on a flagpole beside the monument. The background features a sports field and stands, set against a partly cloudy sky with trees lining the horizon.

Life in the Ephrata Cloister was characterized by simplicity and austerity.

A view of the Fraktur-making area at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The room features wooden furniture, including a long table with benches and smaller work tables, each with tools and materials for creating Fraktur art. Two windows allow natural light to illuminate the space, highlighting the rustic wooden walls and floors. A framed piece of calligraphy art hangs on the wall, adding to the historical ambiance. The room exudes a sense of craftsmanship and dedication to the traditional Pennsylvania German art form.

Members wore plain white hooded robes and maintained a vegetarian diet, with lamb served during communion as the only exception.

A diorama at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, depicting a worship service. The scene shows a group of Cloister members dressed in traditional white robes, seated on wooden benches. A leader stands at the front, gesturing as if speaking to the congregation. The setting includes wooden pillars, a simple altar with candles, and a framed piece of calligraphy art on the wall. The diorama captures the communal and spiritual atmosphere of the Ephrata Cloister's worship practices, providing a glimpse into the historical and religious life of its members.

This simple lifestyle extended to their living quarters, which were small, segregated by gender, and featured a hard wooden bench for a bed and a solid wooden block for a pillow.

A simple wooden bench with a small wooden pillow is situated beneath a small window with wooden panes in a rustic room at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The walls are made of rough-hewn wooden planks, and there is minimal decor, reflecting the austere lifestyle of the cloister's inhabitants. A wooden box and a piece of cloth are placed on the bench, adding to the historical ambiance.

The community was largely autonomous, with resources such as orchards, gardens, grain fields, and various mills supporting their self-sufficiency.

A historic kitchen at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, featuring a large wooden table with a bowl of eggs and a plate of grapes. The room includes a brick floor, a wooden window with a view of the outside, and various kitchen implements hanging on the wall. A wooden shelf above the hearth holds pots, plates, and other kitchen items. The space exudes a rustic charm, showcasing the simplicity and functionality of colonial-era kitchen design.

The Ephrata Cloister began to decline after Beissel’s death in 1768.

A well-maintained cemetery at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, featuring several historical gravestones. In the foreground is the grave of Conrad Beissel, marked by a stone tablet, surrounded by other simple headstones. Trees and a small wooden building are visible in the background, contributing to the serene atmosphere of the site.

The last celibate member passed away in 1813, and the remaining Householders eventually incorporated into the German Seventh Day Baptist Church.

An exhibit at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, detailing the changes and challenges faced by the community after Conrad Beissel's death in 1768. The display explains the gradual disappearance of the rigorous lifestyle, mentioning figures like Brother Jabez and Sister Melonia, the last celibate member who died in 1813. It highlights the formation of the German Seventh Day Baptist Church by the Householders and includes historic photographs and illustrations of the community. A notice about visitor fees and a quote from an 1893 newspaper are also featured, providing a comprehensive view of the Cloister's evolution over time.

This church continued to use the Cloister buildings until it closed in 1934.

A view of the Hall of Worship at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The room features rows of wooden pews arranged along the walls and down the center aisle, with a wooden balcony running along the upper level. Natural light streams through the small windows, illuminating the space and highlighting the simple yet elegant wooden architecture. Historical decorations and framed artwork adorn the walls, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere within this historic worship hall.

In 1941, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission took over the administration of the site, initiating a program of research, restoration, and interpretation, supported by the Ephrata Cloister Associates.

An exhibit panel at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, detailing the restoration efforts that began after the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the site in 1941. The panel includes historical photographs and architectural drawings showing the restoration process of the nine original buildings to their 1700s appearance. It also mentions the formation of the Ephrata Cloister Associates in 1957, a non-profit group supporting the historic site with volunteers, educational programs, and the Ephrata Cloister Chorus.

Today, the Ephrata Cloister offers visitors a unique window into the past, the preserved buildings and grounds providing a tangible connection to the spiritual and communal life of its early members.

A pathway leads to the Visitor Center at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, with historic wooden buildings in the background surrounded by green lawns and large trees. The scene includes a wooden fence along the path and a clear blue sky with some clouds, creating a welcoming and picturesque atmosphere for visitors.

Final Thoughts

The Ephrata Cloister is more than just a historic site; it is a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of early Pennsylvania.

A historical marker at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, noting the surviving restored buildings of the Seventh Day Baptist community founded by Conrad Beissel, with the original buildings erected between 1735 and 1749. The marker is placed in front of one of the preserved wooden buildings, showcasing the architecture of the era. The sign is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The background includes trees, part of the cloister structure, and a clear blue sky.

Its story is one of dedication, innovation, and community, offering valuable lessons and insights for all who visit.

A view of the front of the Baker's House at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA. The historic building features a steeply pitched roof, stone walls, and wooden accents. A brick chimney rises from the side, and a small porch area with wooden beams adds to the rustic charm. The house is surrounded by green grass and mature trees, creating a serene and picturesque setting that reflects the colonial-era architecture and lifestyle of the Ephrata community.

As you walk through the tranquil grounds and explore the meticulously preserved and restored buildings, you’ll find yourself transported back to a time of spiritual quest and communal harmony, making the Ephrata Cloister a must-see destination in Lancaster County.

A well-preserved historic building at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, surrounded by lush green grass and shaded by large trees. A wooden footbridge crosses a small stream leading to the building, which has a simple, rustic design with a steeply pitched roof and small windows. In the background, other period structures and a glimpse of modern houses are visible, adding contrast to the historic setting.

For more information, please visit the Ephrata Cloister’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

The gift shop at the Ephrata Cloister in Lancaster County, PA, featuring displays of colorful Fraktur art prints. The wooden shelves and stands are filled with various sizes of the intricate, traditional Pennsylvania German artwork, depicting floral patterns, birds, and other decorative designs. The shop has a cozy, rustic atmosphere with exposed wooden beams, blue-painted walls, and large windows letting in natural light. The charming setting invites visitors to browse and purchase unique souvenirs reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Ephrata Cloister.

Nearby Attractions

The Green Dragon Farmers Market in Ephrata, named “The Best Farmers Market in America” by USA Today, has become a beloved destination for both Lancaster County locals and tourists since its establishment in 1932.

Collage of four photos showcasing the Green Dragon Farmers Market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The first image displays the entrance sign for the market, indicating its hours of operation. The second image shows Amish vendors organizing baked goods, including various breads and cakes. The third image captures fresh produce such as broccoli and cherries at a vendor's stall. The fourth image features the outdoor vendor area bustling with people browsing through a variety of stalls offering diverse products. The collage highlights the lively atmosphere and wide range of goods available at the market.

Since its opening in 1977, the National Watch and Clock Museum in Lancaster County has grown to house the most extensive collection of horological (time-keeping) artifacts in North America.

A collage of four photos taken at the National Watch and Clock Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows an exhibit of early mechanical clocks, including a large white clock face with Roman numerals and intricate mechanisms. The top right image is the exterior of the museum, featuring a neoclassical design with four large white columns and a traditional street clock in front. The bottom left image displays a unique locomotive-shaped clock with intricate details, housed in a glass display case. The bottom right image shows a collection of wall and floor clocks, each with unique designs and intricate woodwork, alongside a glass case containing smaller clocks and horological instruments. The collage highlights the diverse and extensive collection of timepieces at the museum.

The Strasburg Railroad offers scenic sightseeing excursion trains pulled by majestic steam locomotives through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

A collage of 5 photos showing scenes from the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County, PA.

The National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County houses one of the world’s largest publicly exhibited collections of toy trains and accessories.

A collage of four photos taken at the National Toy Train Museum in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the museum's entrance, featuring a glass building with an "OPEN" flag and a sign indicating various museum sections. The top right image captures a vibrant model train layout with an orange passenger train, a central station, and various surrounding accessories. The bottom left image displays a detailed model train layout with mountainous terrain, bridges, and multiple trains running on tracks, along with shelves filled with model trains in the background. The bottom right image showcases an "American Flyer" exhibit, highlighting a variety of model trains and accessories on a realistic train layout.

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall, spanning an impressive 26,000 square feet, boasts one of the finest selections of antiques and collectibles in the Lancaster County region.

A collage of four photos taken at the Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall in Lancaster County, PA. The first photo shows the large, red roadside sign for the antique mall under a bright blue sky. The second photo features a collection of vintage blow mold holiday decorations, including pilgrims, a turkey, reindeer, and other festive characters. The third photo highlights vintage Star Wars glassware with detailed illustrations of characters from "The Empire Strikes Back." The fourth photo captures a brightly lit aisle filled with display cases showcasing various collectibles, including vintage toys and memorabilia, in an organized layout.

Find even more great spots to explore in Lancaster County and all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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